National conversation on corporal punishment to take place today

A national conversation on corporal punishment organised by the Ministry of Women, Children and Social Protection will take place from 2pm today at the University of the South Pacific.

The panelists will include Permanent Secretary for Justice and psychologist Selina Kuruleca, President of Fiji Principals Association Vishnu Sharma, Fijian Teachers Association General Secretary Paula Manumanunitoga, Fiji Council of Churches representative Reverend Sitiveni Kua, UNICEF Pacific Social Policy Specialist Akuila Sovanivalu and Samoa Supreme Court Judge, Justice Vui Clarence Nelson.

The Ministry calls on the people to be part of the national dialogue on the discipline and wellbeing of the child.

FTA General Secretary Paula Manumanunitoga has warned that student behavior is deteriorating and called on the Government to consider reintroducing corporal punishment as a disciplinary measure.

While speaking during FTA’s 91st Annual Delegates Conference in August, Manumanunitoga said the general disregard for teachers’ welfare has contributed to severe stress, which in some cases has led to illness and even death.

Fiji’s constitution and laws have a zero tolerance on corporal punishment. The national conversation on corporal punishment will be held at the Japan ICT at the USP Laucala Campus.